Gilas Pilipinas avoids futility record with rousing victory over China

Every ounce of frustration that had built up over the previous four losses was finally released as Gilas Pilipinas let it all hang out in a game where just pride and glory were at stake.

Head coach Chot Reyes pumped his fist in the air in evident joy, an obvious indication of relief after being mocked over the past few days as Gilas, at long last, ended a record of futility on the world stage.

Jordan Clarkson led the Nationals to a 96-75 victory over China on Saturday, September 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, snapping a nine-game losing run that started during the previous edition of the quadrennial meet in China.

Clarkson, tired of the same Gilas story of making a valiant effort only to fall short in the end, ensured that a new conclusion would be written this time, pouring in 24 of his game-high 34 points in the third quarter, highlighted by a blazing run in which he nailed four consecutive triples.

Gilas actually unleashed a back-breaking 27-2 surge that turned a 46-48 deficit into a 73-50 lead as the 11,080 fans who survived the torrential downpour roared in excitement.

And Clarkson was not alone in a collective effort never seen in the previous four games. Three local players scored in double digits, topped by crowd favorite Rhenz Abando’s 14 points.

Kai Sotto contributed 12 markers, while birthday boy Dwight Ramos, who scored the final 2 points for Gilas in this World Cup, added 11.

June Mar Fajardo contributed 9 points, while AJ Edu only had 5 points but grabbed 10 boards.

Just like the ending of the 2014 World Cup, in which Gilas likewise suffered heartbreak after heartbreak, the Nationals finished the tournament with a victory to avoid going into the record books as the first host to go winless in 4 decades.

Kyle Anderson (Li Kaier) led Team Dragon with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Zhang Zhenlin scored 13 as the Chinese were without 7-foot-1 center Zhou Qi, who left the game in the second quarter.